Builders declare climate and biodiversity emergency

Australian builders are calling on construction industry professionals to take a stand on the climate change and biodiversity emergency.

The Australian Builders Declare initiative sees builders joining architects in publicly acknowledging that we are facing a climate emergency, and that business as usual cannot continue if we want a prosperous future for our children and natural environment.

Builders Declare has been inspired by Australian architects who have united under the banner of Australian Architects Declare and are striving for urgent action to address our climate and biodiversity emergencies. Meeting the needs of our society going forward without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries will demand a paradigm shift in our behaviour, and our buildings.

The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our generation. Globally, buildings and construction play a major role in our planet’s degradation, accounting for nearly 40% of CO₂ emissions, while also having a major impact on resource depletion, pollution levels and damage to natural environments.

In addition, many Australian homes fall below global first-world standards, consuming far too much energy to heat and cool. Australian Builders Declare says it’s time we were much more considerate of our construction practices and lifted our standards.

“As an industry we need to design and build our cities and infrastructure of a superior quality and performance, to meet the challenges of a low-carbon future, whilst prioritising materials with minimal environmental impact more broadly,” an Australian Builders Declare spokesperson said.

Australian Builders Declare is seeking like-minded builders and professional tradespeople to sign up by going to https://au.buildersdeclare.com/.

Builders Declare is expecting a huge response from the Australian construction industry, which will enable them to run events, provide resources and create a nationwide network of construction professionals that are passionate about building more sustainably and creating a better future for all Australians.

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